Shoutout to my coworkers

I want to give credit where credit is due this week, because for what has seemed like forever, we at the newspaper have been working nonstop to keep our publication running.

First, I want to thank my editor, Scott Vicker. He got thrown into something he didn’t have as much experience in when he became managing editor last May. Since then, we’ve gone through several reporters, and are currently short staffed. But, somehow, he has managed to provide continued effort that makes me wonder where he gets it.

Next, I believe Melody Stoll deserves credit. Melody replaced Courtney Dake the same time Kelsey Haugen came into the picture, and she has been just as irreplaceable as both Courtney and Kelsey were before they left for a higher calling at their choice seminary schools. Melody has managed our newsroom perfectly, and I am so glad she’s here to help.

Up front, the ladies who deal with people more than we do in the newsroom are always willing to help. Tresa Blazek has been a wonderful asset, Sandy Allison has the most infectious laugh and we will all miss Carol Wallace, who retired recently from her accounting position.

I’ve covered so many people already, and still there are more to go. I imagine I’m not the only one to say that sometimes, I forget how many people it really takes to make a newspaper a success. Aside from those who read it, we have the many people who write the stories, cover the sports events, relay the advertising information, maintain all technology and design the glossy Creston Living pages.

Next, I want to thank our advertising group. Without them, we wouldn’t have the support from the community that we do, and they also provide some amazing insights into the world, as well as personalities I love to be around. Kayla Mensing, Jeff Levine, Teresa Pendegraft, Mary Jo Borcherding, Amber Hayes and Craig Mittag are invaluable to the success of the newspaper.

Without the publisher, Rich Paulsen, I imagine the newspaper wouldn’t be out in the world quite as much as it is. Because of him, we are known throughout many networks, and he also builds many community connections to help us find those stories we try to make as entertaining to read as it is to hear from the subjects.

And, finally, those in the press room and back are also people who have that never-ending work ethic. Without Kevin Drake, Kevin Lindley and others, our newspaper wouldn’t print and be sent out to every one of our amazing readers.

So, thank you to everyone. 2016 was a rough year for some, a great one for others, but no matter what, we at the CNA plan to make 2017 a better one.